Elegant James J. Hill Center Wedding

The first look is always Ashley’s favorite part of the wedding day. That special, private moment when the groom gets to see his bride for the very first time on t he day the promise their lives to each other. It’s hard to contain the excitement! And this was by far the best first look we have ever had the honor of photographing. There is always suspense, giddy laughter and big smiles as the groom realizes his bride is moments away from tapping him on the shoulder — but there aren’t always tears. As soon as Andrew realized his best friend, the women he was promising forever to, was inches away from him, that’s when it happened. She didn’t have to reach out and touch him. He didn’t have to see her to feel the depth of his love for her. All he had to do was hear her footsteps. Friends, this is our why. For this kind of love. A love that is so vibrant that you can tell by simply looking at them that this is forever.

Amanda and Andrew’s elegant wedding took place at the stunning James J. Hill Center. The Reference Library — designed in the Italian Renaissance style — was a gift to the city of St. Paul by James Jerome Hill, a railroad executive who brought railway systems to the upper Midwest.Pink Tennessee marble and Kettle River sandstone line the exterior of the building and was perfect for portraits!! The James J. Hill Center opened to the public in 1921 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This venue is just gorgeous!

This was the first time we have shot a wedding that incorporated Jewish traditions and let’s just say it didn’t disappoint! Amanda and Andrew were married underneath the Chuppah or canopy which symbolizes the home the couple will build together. Like all Jewish weddings, the ceremony concluded with the breaking of the glass, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers between people of different cultures and faiths. Andrew gave it a real good stomp and we loved the look of joy on their faces as they officially became husband and wife! The teal handblown broken glass will be placed in a Mezuzah, a symbolic Jewish doorpost.

By far the best tradition carried out at this wedding was the Hora! We’ve all seen this before and can recall the iconic dance where the bride and groom are hoisted above the crowd on chairs while friends and family dance around them in a circle to “Hava Nagila”. Amanda and Andrew had decided that they weren’t going to do the hoisting of the chairs (because marble floors are hard!) but their guests had other plans! And we’re so glad they did!! It was such an amazing experience being able to witness this fun tradition and see the expressions of pure terror on their faces as they bobbed up and down to the music!

Amanda and Andrew, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for giving us the honor of capturing your wedding day. We are so thankful to have you in our lives and can call you friends. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Dahm!